Coming Soon: On-Site Marijuana Consumption at Alaska Dispensaries

The Marijuana Control Board passed a proposal to allow on-site consumption at recreational marijuana retailers. Municipalities and cities would choose whether to participate or not. To maintain progression of this proposal, further approvals and a public comment period must take place.

A separate space, either in a different building or separated by a wall must be created, according to KTVA 11 News. One retail shop, Alaska Fireweed, created space within their building for a smoking lounge when it built its shop. That space is currently used for clothing sales.

Will Ingram of Alaska Fireweed said, “Still a lot of unknowns out there. We always wanted this to be a lounge back here and what happens over the next couple of days, we’ll see how that develops.”

The Anchorage Assembly also voted in favor of on-site consumption in a 7 – 4 vote.

Ingram also said, “Anyone on the outside, even in the retail space, wouldn’t know there’s a smoke lounge back here at all.”

Once the Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office releases its proposal, according to Erika McConnell, there will be a 60-day public comment period. The Assembly’s chair, Dick Traini, wants a conversation to take place in Anchorage that focuses on public health.

Traini said, “I don’t want the workers, where they have to subject their health an safety to marijuana smoke or tobacco smoke for that matter.”

A law already exists banning secondhand marijuana and tobacco smoke.

Ingram said, “I’m very concerned with that aspect, you now. We are next door to some businesses. They hire 21-year-old employees. I don’t want anyone to be offended. I’m absolutely going to make sure we’re not going to have an impact on secondhand smoke.”